Moxibustion for Breech Presentation

Cathy Ewbank is a very skilled and experienced practitioner of Maternity Reflexology, having obtained her post-graduate qualification in 2005 ... currently approximately 50% of her clients come for pregnancy-related treatments. Since obtaining this qualification, Cathy has further developed her knowledge of this area of specialism by attending numerous courses and workshops. She has been trained to practice Moxibustion for Breech Presentation, and is fully insured to carry out this treatment.

“I visited Cathy in my 2nd pregnancy as I had found out my baby was breach at 36 weeks and wanted to try moxibustion and reflexology as this had been successful in my 1st pregnancy but a lot sooner in the process. I had tried a turning procedure at hospital, however this had failed and the health professionals thought it would be in my best interests to have a c-section. This was something I was really unhappy with and after contacting Cathy underwent an intensive course of moxibustion once with Cathy and then after at home for 5 days. At my pre-c section appointment I was astounded to find out that the baby had turned by itself and this resulted in a totally natural birth. I believe this was all due to the moxibustion and the reflexololgy sessions I attended in the last 4 weeks of my pregnancy - I would definitely try the alternative health medicine route in this instance. Thanks again"

Joanne, Flackwell Heath

What is Moxibustion?

Moxibustion is a Traditional Chinese Medicine technique which has been used for thousands of years by accupuncturists. It involves the use of moxa sticks (made from dried mugwort) to apply heat to acupuncture points - this particular herb is chosen because of the intensity of heat it produces when burned. When attempting to turn a breech baby, the acupuncture point that is used is called 'Bladder 67' and it is located on the little toe. Bladder 67 is at the end of the Bladder meridian, an acupuncture energy line which runs from the inner edge of each eye, across the top of the head, down each side of the spinal cord (where it branches to the bladder), down the back of both legs to terminate next to the nail on the little toes. By stimulating this point the muscles in the uterus are relaxed and the baby is able to turn into the 'head down' position.

While stimulating Bladder 67, either with Moxa sticks or during a regular Reflexology treatment, the baby becomes incredibly active ... an amazing experience for both the mum-to-be and for the practitioner!

What is Breech Presentation?

Most babies present head down (cephalic presentation), however approximately 3% present bottom first ... this is called Breech Presentation. Breech babies are normally delivered by Cesarean Section due to increased risks of infant mortality and morbidity. If appropriate, from 36-37 weeks mums are offered a procedure called ECV (External Cephalic Version), where an obstetrician will attempt to turn the baby by pushing on the baby through the mother's abdomen to encourage the baby to do a somersault and move into the head down position. The ECV procedure can be quite uncomfortable for mum. An alternative to the ECV which is gaining popularity with midwives in the West is Moxibustion, as this procedure encourages the baby to turn spontaneously, and is not generally an uncomfortable experience for mum.

Is this treatment suitable for all Breech Presentations?

Moxibustion is a safe and gentle way of attempting to turn a breech baby, as the baby does all the hard work. A full and detailed consultation form is completed before the treatment can take place, and clients are required to sign a disclaimer. The conditions listed below are contra-indicated, and a Moxibustion treatment will not be given if a client presents with any of these conditions.

1. Placenta previa2. History of ante-partum haemorrhage3. Multiple pregnancy4. Known abnormality of the uterus or pelvis5. History of premature labour or premature rupture of the membranes6. Oligohydramnios (deficiency of amniotic fluid)7. Polyhdramnios (excess of anmiotic fluid)9. Rhesus antibodies10. Planned Caesarean Section, for any reason other than breech presentation11. Previous Caesarean Section, for any reason other than breech presentation

When is the best time to try Moxibustion?

The ideal time for moxibustion is 34 weeks, but it is worth trying to turn a breech baby right up until birth... it may just happen. Babies have been known to turn at term, but they are generally second or consecutive pregnancies where the muscles are looser. When attempting moxibustion we do not want the baby to engage - he will not be able to turn if he is engaged - so Optimum Foetal Positioning can help to give him room to move.

What happens during a Moxibustion treatment?

Usually, only one Moxibustion treatment is required with the practitioner ... the practitioner will carry out the treatment and then teach the client how to carry out further treatments at home. Treatments should be continued at home 2-3 times daily for 7-10 days. If possible, it is advisable for a partner/friend to attend the treatment so that they will know how to help (mums sometimes find it difficult to get down to their little toes!). The client remains fully clothed throughout the treament with the exception of bare feet.

A moxibustion treatment with Cathy takes approximately 1 hour, the first half-hour of which consists of a relaxing and rebalancing Reflexology Treatment. During the second half-hour of the treatment, Cathy will perform the Moxibustion treatment, teaching the client (and her partner/friend) how to perform the treatment at home. A clear Instruction Sheet plus two moxa sticks are given to the client at the end of the session.

What will I feel after a Moxibustion treatment?

If your baby has turned, you will feel a great deal of movement followed by less pressure under your diaphragm, and you will be able to breathe more easily. You will also feel the baby’s kicking in a different place. Get the baby’s position checked by your Doctor or Midwife. Generally, once the baby has turned, the weight of their head tends to keep them head down.

Please note ....

The information provided on this webpage is not inteded as an substitute for medical advice. If you have any concerns about your breech baby, please talk to your obstetric caregiver.